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Lauric Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C12H24O2
CAS number
143-07-7
IUPAC name
(3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol;dodecanoic acid
State
State

Lauric acid is typically a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
44.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
317.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
298.90
Boiling point (Kelvin)
572.05
General information
Molecular weight
200.32g/mol
Molar mass
200.3170g/mol
Density
1.0075g/cm3
Appearence

Lauric acid appears as a white, powdery solid. It can also be found in crystalline form. It is relatively soluble in organic solvents but is insoluble in water. Lauric acid has a slightly pungent odor which is characteristic of this type of fatty acid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol; dodecanoic acid

This compound, characterized by its complex structure, exhibits a unique solubility profile that depends on several factors. Understanding its solubility is key to its applications in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.

Factors Influencing Solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of multiple hydroxyl groups (–OH) suggests that the compound is likely to be polar. This polarity enhances solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: The dodecanoic acid component introduces a hydrophobic character, which may limit the overall solubility in aqueous solutions, especially at higher concentrations.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The ability to form hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups and water molecules can significantly increase solubility.

As such, one could expect the compound to show:

  • Good solubility in water due to the hydroxyl groups.
  • Moderate solubility in organic solvents, dependent on their polarity.
  • Possibly limited solubility in non-polar solvents due to the hydrophobic dodecanoic acid.

It can be summarized that “the solubility of (3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol; dodecanoic acid is a fascinating interplay of polar and nonpolar characteristics,” whereby emerging applications may leverage its unique solubility behavior for optimized usage.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About the Compound

The compound with the complex name (3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol;dodecanoic acid represents a fascinating intersection of structural complexity and biological activity.

Molecular Structure and Configuration

This compound showcases multiple stereocenters which contribute to its unique physical and chemical properties. The notation denoting R and S configurations is crucial for understanding how the spatial arrangement of atoms influences the compound's reactivity and interactions.

Biological Implications

Compounds like this one often find their applications in the biological sciences due to their ability to mimic natural substances or act as intermediates in biosynthetic pathways. Here are some key points:

  • Potential Therapeutic Applications: Its structure suggests it may have relevant bioactivity, possibly in areas such as anti-inflammatory or antiviral research.
  • Natural Product Derivative: The tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran moieties are often seen in naturally occurring sugars and antibiotics, indicating potential applications in drug discovery.
  • Structural Versatility: The presence of multiple hydroxyl groups implies functionality that can participate in hydrogen bonding, greatly influencing solubility and reactivity.

Interesting Characteristics

In the context of this compound:

  • It exemplifies the intricate relationship between chirality and biological function, as different enantiomers can exhibit vastly different effects in biological systems.
  • The incorporation of long-chain fatty acids, like dodecanoic acid, can impact membrane fluidity and cell signaling pathways, opening avenues for research in pharmacology and cell biology.

Overall, this compound serves as an excellent example for students and researchers to explore the synergy between organic synthesis, stereochemistry, and biological utility. As we continue to probe the depths of chemical interactions, compounds like this will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of both chemistry and the biological world.